Prince Edward and L&A Counties provide progress update on housing and homelessness initiatives

In 2019, Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Council made ‘Facilitating Safe and Affordable Housing’ a top priority for their term of office and, at their last meeting, those around the horseshoe got to hear just how well things have gone in fulfilling that priority.

At their meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, Council learned about the progress on housing and homelessness initiatives relevant to that strategic priority. According to L&A County, the 2019 to 2022 report by Lynn Chenier, Director of Prince Edward-Lennox and Addington Social Services (PELASS), highlighted the following:

• The Homelessness Enumeration project was completed to identify individuals who are homeless in the community. This led to the creation of a ‘by-name,’ list which allows caseworkers to work with those listed on a regular basis to try to assist them to secure housing and provide other supports.
• $680,000 has been allocated to Emergency Shelter, including financial support for warming centres in Prince Edward and Lennox & Addington Counties.
• 25 to 30 transitional housing units are available annually through the Local Housing Corporation and partnerships with private landlords.
• Eight transitional housing beds were created in 2021, in partnership with Lennox & Addington Interval House, to support youth experiencing homelessness.
• Eight new affordable housing units are currently being built, which will add to the 413 rent-geared-to-income units directly owned by PELASS.
• 1,718 clients have been assisted through the Homelessness Prevention Benefit, which helps individuals and families to remain housed or secure accommodation.

“Housing is a person’s most basic need and, without that, how can we expect people to get ahead?” Past Warden Marg Isbester said in a statement. “County Council is very supportive of these housing and homelessness initiatives and very proud that PELASS is playing a leadership role in these important projects for our residents.”